I too, have done with a switch rod this season. 11 foot 6 weight traditions II. Being "green" I asked a good friend on the site (Huron River Dan) the how too's. In my situation, I already had a reel set up with 7 weight WFF line. Dan recommended I use poly leaders. So I tried an Extra fast sink. Works fine for me. As far as the other lines you mentioned, for my needs I find them unnecessary. As far as my cast, It's merely and overhead fly cast. I use the rod for better mending and quicker line pick up when I'm fishing for white bass/ walleyes.